Engineering knowledge-based variance-reduction simulation and G-dominance for structural frame robust optimization

[EN] This paper proposes the incorporation of engineering knowledge through both (a) advanced state-of-the-art preference handling decision-making tools integrated in multiobjective evolutionary algorithms and (b) engineering knowledge-based variance reduction simulation as enhancing tools for the robust optimum design of structural frames taking uncertainties into consideration in the design variables.The simultaneous minimization of the constrained weight (adding structuralweight and average distribution of constraint violations) on the one hand and the standard deviation of the distribution of constraint violation on the other are handled with multiobjective optimization-based evolutionary computation in two different multiobjective algorithms. The optimum design values of the deterministic structural problem in question are proposed as a reference point (the aspiration level) in reference-point-based evolutionary multiobjective algorithms (here g-dominance is used). Results including

Recovery plan for the giant lizard of El Hierro (Canary Islands), Gallotia simonyi: project outline and preliminary results

[EN] The Giant Lizard of El Hierro, Gallotia simonyi is one of the most endangered reptile species of the world (Corbett 1989, 1993, Machado et al. 1985). The first scientific news about a living population of G. simonyi dates back to 1975 (Böhme & Bings 1975, 1977; see also Bischoff et al. 1979). The giant lizard, widely distributed in El Hierro in the past (Böhme et al. 1981) is presently restricted to a small area of the Fuga de Gorreta (fig. 1).